Idol Headlines For 7/29/08

By On 07/29/2008 · 40 Comments · In Uncategorized

Ryan Seacrest: “I Was Bit by a Shark!”

So much for a relaxing trip to the beach.

On his KIIS-FM radio show Monday, Ryan Seacrest said he decided to take a dip in the ocean over the weekend when, he said, “I was bit by a shark!”

He said he was “about eight feet out” when he felt something swim by him. “I thought it was a stick,” he said. “I wasn’t sure what had happened.” Then, he said, “I saw it swim! He took a bite, and he left.”

Seacrest, 33, said the shark’s tooth “wasn’t a great thing to find. It was like finding a splinter!”

US Magazine

Up Close With The American Idols – Chikezie

Chikezie Eze – who professionally goes by his first name only – entered this year’s American Idol competition the most experience as well as the least experience. Having tried out three times prior, he was a veteran of the show’s arduous audition process. Unlike fellow contestants such as David Cook, Carly Smithson, Michael Johns and Kristy Lee Cook – who had achieved various levels of professional experience – Chikezie had very little public exposure.

blogcritics.org

David Cook on Returning Home a Star

FOX 4 spoke to American Idol David Cook during his tour stop in St. Louis, Missouri. Cook talked about being able to make it back to Tulsa and the Kansas City area after winning American Idol. He did so without much fanfare. And, even went shopping for a much needed item: luggage. Cook will be in Kansas City on tour with the other Idols August 29 to 30. We’ll have more from our conversation with Cook on FOX 4 News at 9:00 Wednesday night.

My Fox KC

Carmen Rasmussen: ‘Idol’ hopefuls have nothing to lose, everything to gain

The scariest thing in life is taking chances. Following your dreams when you know the odds are seriously against you takes courage à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬’  and encouragement from those who believe in you.

My dad is one of those people. Courageous, yes, but extremely encouraging. He is the reason I took a chance and tried out for “American Idol” five years ago.

It was mid-November. I stayed home from school because I sprained my ankle the night before and was in no mood to go hobbling down the halls of my high school with a big black boot on. I was sitting on the couch feeling sorry for myself when the phone rang.

Deseret News

TV Guide Sees More Stars

The channel is continuing to step up its programming with a series of new agreements, which include closing a development deal for a celebrity-oriented show called My Favorite Things and acquiring cable rights to the syndicated show American Idol Rewind, according to officials.

The Rewind shows that the network is getting will include actual performances, present-day interviews and never-before-seen footage of Season 3 of American Idol, in which Fantasia Barrino emerged as the winner and Jennifer Hudson was a finalist.

Broadcastnewsroom.com

Wear Carrie Underwood on Your Wrist

You could spend a fortune on designer bling and never even come close to the cool factor of these bracelets. Because each one is handmade from the used guitar strings off Carrie Underwoodà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s guitar. Ità ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s part of the wearyourmusic.org artist program. And besides looking hip, wearers are doing good since a portion of the proceeds go to a charity of the artistà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s choice.

CMT.org

Simon Cowell’s Terri split

Simon Cowell has reportedly split from Terri Seymour.

The 48-year-old music mogul is believed to have walked out on Terri, 34, following a blazing row over Terri’s insecurities, and he has now ended their six-year relationship.

A friend of Simon’s told Britain’s Star magazine: “He told me he is tired of Terri’s insecurities. They lead separate lives, and that’s how he likes it, but lately she has turned up unannounced at events he is at.

MyParkMag

She’s a ‘Small Town Girl’

Kellie Pickler, 22, may not have won season five of “American Idol,” but it doesn’t seem to have hurt her career. The “Idol” top 12 finalist is now an award-winning country singer-songwriter.

“Growing up, I had been a big dreamer. Never in a million years did I think that everything would happen as quickly as it did,” she said during a telephone interview.

Pickler tried out for “American Idol” at the age of 19 in North Carolina. “I was encouraged by different family members to try out and I was also following in the footsteps of Dolly Parton, by trying to become a country singer,” she said.

Herald-Mail

Trias will host film lovers at à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‹Teenà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢ screening

Jasmine Trias fans can spend an evening with the former “American Idol” star when she hosts a private screening of “American Teen,” a documentary film that generated buzz at the Sundance and Hawaii International film festivals.

The film follows five teenagers through their angst-ridden senior year in high school.

Trias will sign autographs and pose for pictures before the movie begins at 7:30 p.m. next Tuesday at Regal Theatres Dole Cannery 18.

starbulletin.com

Mary Murphy Says “So You Think You Can Dance” Too Close Too Call

“So You Think You Can Dance” is quickly heading towards its Aug. 7 finale and judge Mary Murphy says it’s anyone’s game. “In years past, we’ve seen some people run from the pack. Benji [Schwimmer] was a runaway train on the show, so it was no surprise when he won. I couldn’t tell you who’s going to win right now,” the ballroom expert tells us.

“I was shocked when Kherington [Payne] was voted off because that was my first impression of someone I thought was going to be in the finale. I have no clue how America is going to vote.” As the finale nears, Murphy says she and the other judges will only be getting pickier.

National Ledger

Canadian Idol Top 8 Recap

The remaining 8 Canadian Idol hopefuls get intimate on this weekà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s show, performing unplugged. One might ask when exactly did the huge theatre in the Metro Toronto Convention Centre become a source of great acoustics or what exactly Gavin Rossdale is doing on Canadian Idol. But I digress.

andPOP

Canadian Idol Recap: The Top Eight Perform Unplugged

After a disappointing result on How Do You Solve A Problem Like Maria, I have my sights set high for Canadian Idol. Gavin Rossdale is this week’s mentor for the Idols as they go unplugged in a week that “is always a crucial week for the contestants” according to Ben. (Then why is it always one of the first few shows of the Top 10?) And as we pan to the judges, I have to ask: what is with Zack’s wardrobe this year? First with the Bowie makeup, then the cowboy hat, and now this? For future theme weeks, I’m a little frightened to see what he will wear.

National Post

 
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  • http://www.myspace.com/gwendolyndiane GwendolynD

    Melinda Doolittle signs with Hi Fi Recordings

    More than a year after her third-place departure, American Idol season 6 alum Melinda Doolittle has finally found a record deal, EW.com has learned. Doolittle will join the roster at independent label Hi Fi Recordings, the current home to Todd Rundgren. The label also has had a hand in successful efforts by Avril Lavigne and Spacehog, among others. Hi Fi was founded in 1995 by music industry vet John Hecker and was originally a joint venture with major labels Elektra, Arista, and Virgin Records. Doolittle’s debut is expected to be released this fall, but an official street date has yet to be determined.

    Hollywood Insider

  • cookcricket

    I’m loving this Chikezie interview! I have to finish later. I enjoyed his explanation of how he came up with his arrangement for “She’s A Woman”.

    Very talented guy! I hope he gets signed.

  • http://myspace.com/girlgeek mj

    Thanks Gwen! I’m posting that out front…

  • FolkFan

    Was it frustrating to have the judges go back and forth – one week praising your performance, and the next week criticizing it?

    I just found it frustrating when they talked. It’s like, ‘What are you saying?’ Let America figure it out for themselves.

    I think that I love Chikezie.

    Also: Look who shares the lead in the list of celebrities participating in the Stand Up to Cancer telethon: http://www.usatoday.com/life/people/2008-07-28-cancer-celebrities_N.htm

  • poporange

    Ryan is fortunate the exploritory bite was not worse than it was.
    I glad to hear something about Chilkeszie he was fun to watch.

    I hear a rumor that Taylor Hicks “Early Edition” maybe a Target exclusive .

    IMO Jason C and Daivd A vlog like it is the fireside radio chats fromWWII and they should be careful not to cross the line of giving out TMI.I felt the same when Kat did it in season 5.

  • http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendID=84731174 purplesmile

    I just came back from the Daughtry (in Manila) concert. I met Chris and the band earlier, before the show. He does smile, lol, and it’s a very nice smile, too. Heh. ;)

  • Paula

    I hear a rumor that Taylor Hicks à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“Early Editionà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬  maybe a Target exclusive .

    It’s not a rumor – it’s true — posted at THHQ and goes on sale August 12th.

  • http://myspace.com/pm68 Pam

    Here is some interviews from Rochester from MJ, Brooke, Jason, Ramiele, and Syesha HERE. If you listen to MJ’s interview, it sounds like we will be getting the answer to where DC will be calling home after the tour.

  • IGetCranked

    Archie’s new single is rumored to be streamed on z100 New York on Friday morning.

  • IGetCranked

    Thanks Pam, MJ was really.. um.. blunt in his interview!

  • ianamy

    Yes, it is confirmed about Archie’s single premier. He will be in the studio, too.

    http://archuletamusic.wordpress.com/

    Get ready for this Friday morning!

  • IGetCranked

    Soo I just went looking for confirmation (thanks ianamy btw) and see that he posted a new vlog too.. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BnxD4zi-_7o

    He’s really getting around! LOL

  • http://myspace.com/pm68 Pam

    Archie’s blog was so cute. :D

  • ianamy

    Heà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s really getting around! LOL

    With Jason, every time. I think he is really close with Jason, Kristy, and Brooke.

  • abbysee

    Good idol stuff today. I loved the Chikeze interview. It shows that he wants to be a musician and not just a star. Almost every sho review seems to indicate that there is more to him that what was displayed on the show. I really hope that he too will find someone who is interested in signing him. He may not be huge, but something tells me it will be interesting.

    David Archuleta is adorable. I love this latest blog. He is getting more comfortable doing this stuff, and I like the little details. I don’t think it’s too much as he is talking about places he has gone, not where he’s going, so what can it hurt? Also, tres excited to hear his new song. That it’s gonna be on Z100 makes me very happy. I am sure all of his PYT fans will squee at the idea of him working out! From a moms standpoint I am glad he is getting the time to take care of himself that way. Oh, and he’s taking a walk on the wild side he was up past 2. Go David, lol.

    Yep, Target exclusive for Taylor. Gonna go get it. These idol folk sure keep me broke, but I don’t have IYT so I want Early Works. He’s having quite a bit of good stuff happening for him, so glad about that. Now what about the Later Works….. :)

  • http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendID=84731174 purplesmile

    I realize not too many people here are interested in Chris Daughtry anymore, but something funny-sad happened at the concert tonight. Chris, during his finale number, sprayed water on the audience and threw the bottles onto them, then went down the stage running and high-fiving/touching hands with the audience in the front row, when, before reaching the other side of the stage, he suddenly disappeared from our view. The poor guy apparently slipped. Ack! He was cool, though…he just stood up again and even jumped back onto the stage and continued to rock on. Heh. ;)

  • http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendID=84731174 purplesmile

    David Cook January concert in RP

    MANILA, Philippinesà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬’ A surprise announcement from David Cook himself had his web fan site buzzing with excitement, especially from its Filipino subscribers: à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“American Idolà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s Season 7 champ is coming to Manila for a concert.

    Comments from the website ranged from incredulity to amazement to simple joy, in a thread whose common question was the need to present proof…

  • IGetCranked

    *giggle* I think that Chris and Cook both need to drop water from their acts.

    ETA.. Awww I kinda liked Simon and Terri together. I doubt that story is true but I do believe that they broke up… Also poor Ryan! I’m glad it wasn’t worse!

  • Jolene

    Just heard there was a 5.8 earth quake in LA. Hope there were no injuries and everyone’s OK.
    DC was supposed to be flying back from there to Pittsburgh, but hopefully he left hours ago and this has no impact on his flight.

  • bean99

    Lucky you in getting to meet Chris and the band, Purplesmile. I hope he didn’t hurt anything when he fell.

  • gabam

    Thanks, Jolene. I had not heard about the earthquake. I grabbed my cell phone and called my sister in LA. She felt it but she is OK.

  • http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendID=84731174 purplesmile

    Lucky you in getting to meet Chris and the band, Purplesmile. I hope he didnà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t hurt anything when he fell.

    I hope so, too, bean. (Well, maybe his ego, a little, lol.) That would be a shame if he did.

    Yes, I have now met my three fave Season 5 guys (EY, TH, and CD) right here at home…you could say I’m lucky, indeed. Woo-hoo! ;)

    Random upload (please forgive the quality…I was sitting very far away from the stage)…

    Daughtry in Manila – Over You

  • http://myspace.com/saltwatercures pj

    Congrats, Purps! How exciting for you! :-)

    In other news, here’s a little blurb about Jason’s soundtrack work.

    Jason Renà © Castro
    July 28 2008
    Cherry Beach Sound was pleased to welcome American singer-song writer, and American Idol Finalist, Jason Castro to the studio where he worked on music for the Film “Tierra de Tigres” which is currently being shot by Laguna Pictures in Mexico. International Producer, mixer, and engineer, Robbie Adams flew in for the production. Adams is best known for his work with U2, Beck, Smashing Pumpkins, Leonard Cohen, Patty Griffin, Spoon, Fastball and numerous other artists.

    Also attending the session was the film’s director, Fernando Lebrija and producer/co-writer, Harrison Reiner.

    http://www.cherrybeachsound.com/

    There’s also a pic.

  • BootStar

    Wow, I really loved the Chikeze interview. Thanks for posting that, MJ. He’s so talented. “She’s A Woman” was one of my favorite performances of the entire season. FANTASTIC arrangement and C. obviously is very smart musically to dissect it the way he did. I don’t know why it didn’t end up on more “Best of” lists. I really wish the interviewer asked him why he isn’t singing it on tour. I was really looking forward to it. I guess maybe they couldn’t bring the fiddler and banjo players along?

  • Trixee

    I haven’t seen this linked here yet. David Cook is scheduled to appear on the Stand up to Cancer telethon.

  • http://americanidollowdown.blogspot.com/ Sherry L

    I really wish the interviewer asked him why he isnà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t singing it on tour. I was really looking forward to it. I guess maybe they couldnà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t bring the fiddler and banjo players along?

    I didn’t ask because he seemed definitive in his three choices. “I Believe To My Soul” fits his style more and he said he only wanted to one song from the show.

    I think you also may be right about not being able to bring the fiddler and banjo players. They probably wouldn’t have been able to recreate it that well, and then everyone would be saying it wasn’t as good as the original.

  • http://americanidollowdown.blogspot.com/ Sherry L

    Also – thanks to everyone who has said they liked the Chikezie interview!

  • http://myspace.com/susanatfox sumidol

    “Adams is best known for his work with U2, Beck, Smashing Pumpkins, Leonard Cohen, Patty Griffin, Spoon”

    Jason is working with someone who worked with a few of my favorite bands – that is great and I can’t wait to hear his song in this movie

  • lg

    Loved the Chikezie interview, thanks Sherry L. Chikezie news is hard to find these days. I wish he would blog more on his myspace or start a new fansite.

    Chikezie is one talented individual. A musician’s musician. I love that guy!

  • KTINTN

    A backstage chat with American Idol winner Taylor Hicks, now starring as Teen Angel in ‘Grease‘

    http://www.broadway.com/gen/Buzz_Video.aspx?ci=569227

  • http://www.myspace.com/swood1104 Sarah

    Thanks for the report about the Daughtry concert, purps! I dunno about others, but I’M still interested. And I’m a jellus h8r that you got to meet them. :)

    Hope Chris is okay from that fall. LOL.

  • http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendID=84731174 purplesmile

    The new Jason video is up!

    Jason Castro Date Night 7/29/08

    Jasonnn is really getting into the date stuff and seems to be truly enjoying it. There’s a table now, wine glasses, and a menu! (Except the dates are left standing against the railing, haha!) LOL

    “Oops! I forgot to press stop! How adorable is this boy?

  • http://myspace.com/pm68 Pam

    Purps,

    I just watched Jason’s vid. I loved that line! :laugh_tb:

  • http://myspace.com/saltwatercures pj

    So, who arranged for the set-up? My guess is Jasonnn’s fans. :tongue1_tb:

  • http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendID=84731174 purplesmile

    I knew I could count on you (to be interested and be a jellus h*er, lol), Sarah! Daughtry did the new song co-written with Jason Wade and Helter Skelter, too. I thought Chris sounded pitchy at the start of the show and seemed a little tentative but I really enjoyed the second part. My favorites, I think, were What About Now and Breakdown. :)

    He looked ok after the fall (I watched my video and I realize he fell while still water spraying). Perhaps a wee bit embarrassed, but well enough to proceed to jam with the drummer after jumping back to the stage. Heh.

    There are videos here. :)

  • http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendID=84731174 purplesmile

    I forgot to post the bulletin…

    Subject: light the candles!
    Body: date night is posted! we had a fun set up today i hope yall enjoy!!! now its show time!!!!

    bye byeeee

    Jasonnn.

    And the other bulletin…

    Date: Jul 30, 2008
    Subject: YO YO!
    Body: soooo man ive been tired and draggin all day and a burst of energy hit me right before i went on stage. and now im up and at em! i think it was triggered by playing some of my new songs right before i went on. im so pumped about them! cant wait to show yall. lets have a good night, ok? alright!!! aaaand jesus made zombies.
    that was the random fact i learned today! matt 27:52 how about that?! haha

    laterzzz

    jasonnn.

  • http://myspace.com/saltwatercures pj

    LMAO at jesus made zombies. I think that’s a new bumper sticker. I bet I could make a pretty penny on that line.

  • hoodathunk

    PurpleSmile, Thanks for the Daughtry videos. The sound quality is great! I didn’t even realize they were in the Philipines now.

    KTINTN , the Taylor interview is awesome too. That’s one killer smile at the end. I wish I could go see him in the show.

  • http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendID=84731174 purplesmile

    PurpleSmile, Thanks for the Daughtry videos. The sound quality is great! I didnà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t even realize they were in the Philipines now.

    You’re welcome, hoodathunk. Those are not my videos, though. I was seated at a nearby restaurant balcony (which still required a ticket) so I didn’t have the best shot. Here’s one of my crappy videos…it shows the Daughtry slip (live in Manila, lol). ;)

    Daughtry falls (at around 2:06)

    Ouch!

  • Lu

    Well if I ever get to see Chris D in concert, I’ll definitely not try to sit up front. That water spraying… bad for my hair! lol